Discovering the stories behind the research

What drives our IMPACT Fellows? What groundbreaking research are they pursuing, and what personal motivations fuel their journeys? Through this bi-weekly interview series, we look into the minds of our fellows to uncover not just the science but the stories behind their work. Explore their experiences in the IMPACT programme and the unique perspectives they bring to their fields. This week, we had the chance to interview Ebuka Eze.

Can you briefly describe your research project and its potential impact on society or the economy?
My research project focuses on establishing a human liver-based in vitro test system for safety assessment of real-life e-waste chemical mixtures. This research addresses an emerging global environmental health concern at the nexus of international waste management, environmental justice, and public health. By identifying specific toxicity mechanisms and health risks linked to e-waste pollution, the study will provide scientific evidence needed to guide interventions, inform policy, and protect vulnerable populations—especially children and individuals—living and working in e-waste-contaminated environments. Ultimately, the project has the potential to improve societal well-being, reduce healthcare burdens related to environmental exposure, and foster more equitable and clean economic development.

Coming from Nigeria, what unique perspective do you bring to your field of study at VUB?
I’m a distinguished academic known for my contributions to the field of toxicology and environmental health. Coming from Nigeria with research experience that spans many prestigious institutions in Europe and Africa, I bring a deeply informed and context-specific perspective to toxicology & environmental health research at VUB, grounded in first-hand experience with some of the world’s most pressing environmental and public health challenges. Nigeria, as one of the major hubs of informal e-waste recycling in West Africa, offers me a unique vantage point from which to study the intersection of e-waste pollution, socio-economic inequality, and health risk. My direct experience with the realities of informal e-waste recycling practices, community vulnerabilities, and regulatory gaps equips me with insights that go beyond theoretical understanding. This allows me to approach my research with cultural sensitivity, practical relevance, and an acute awareness of the human stories behind my project. So, at VUB, this lived experience allows me to bridge global scientific inquiry with local environmental realities, enriching classroom discussions and collaborative projects with authentic case studies.

What’s been the most surprising or valuable aspect of the IMPACT programme for you so far?
One of the most valuable aspects of the IMPACT programme for me so far has been the interdisciplinary and deeply collaborative learning environment it fosters. Coming from a scientific background rooted in toxicology & environmental health, I have been particularly surprised and inspired by how the programme seamlessly integrates social sciences, policy perspectives, and gender considerations into technical research training. This holistic approach has significantly expanded my understanding of how complex challenges must be addressed not only through scientific analysis but also through inclusive, context-aware, and policy-relevant solutions. The networking opportunities have also been incredibly enriching. Interacting with scholars and professionals from diverse fields and regions has exposed me to new methodologies and ways of thinking while also highlighting shared global challenges. These exchanges have sparked new ideas for applying my research in broader development contexts, particularly in relation to environmental justice and sustainable innovation in Africa. In short, the IMPACT programme is not just building my capacity as a researcher—it is shaping me into a more responsive, reflective, and globally engaged scholar

If you could instantly become an expert in another field of study, which would you choose and why? 
If I could instantly become an expert in another field of study, I would choose environmental economics. This choice stems from a growing realization in my research that scientific evidence alone is often not enough to drive meaningful changes. Many of the health and environmental challenges I study are deeply tied to economic systems—poverty, lack of infrastructure, and the informal economy all influence exposure and vulnerability. Becoming an expert in environmental economics would allow me to quantify the true costs of pollution and health impacts, assess the cost-effectiveness of intervention strategies, and design incentive-based policies that align public health protection with sustainable economic development. It would also strengthen my ability to contribute to circular economy models that are not only clean and safe but also economically viable for developing communities. By combining environmental health science with economic expertise, I could help bridge the gap between research and real-world policy, ensuring that solutions are both scientifically sound and financially sustainable, which is essential for long-term impact in resource-constrained settings.